The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-04
INFLATED WITH GREATNESS
The New Police Commissioners Impress
the Force with Their Importance.
A Grandiloquent Speech from Orator Pendle-
ton-Colbert Promoted to Superntend.
ent and Quigley To Be Captain.

The new members Of the Police Board. Messrs.
Holt and Psndeton. took their seats last even.
ing with whoop and hurrah, and, if there is
anything in much talk and buster. they are GO
Ing to revolutionize things in police circles It
was o'clock when the two members made their
appearance at the residence of Mr.. Synder, the
secretary, where Mr.. Schurmann, the Repub-
lican member, had been in waiting for some
time. The meeting was held at Mr. Snyders
residence, on account Of the sickness of Mr.
Snyder making it impossible for him to 60 to
the board rooms in the station house
The new members gave Mr. Schurmann the
cold shoulder. Mr.. Pendleton stated that it was
desirable to make the meeting as brief as posi-
DIE, and announced that the first thing in order
would be the re organization of the board. MIR.
Holt, according to previous arrangement put in
nomination for president of the Board, Mr..
Pendleton, and the vote was cast for him unari
mously. He made no remarks on taking his
seat, further than thanking Messrs Schurmann
and Holt for the courtesy Mr. Snyder. on
motion of Mr.. Holt was reelected secretary for
the ensuing year Mr. Pendleton then an
nounced that the further bust
hess of the board would be to
select new superintendent of police, and said
that after carefully canvassing the good Qualities
OF all the applicants. he had concluded to put in
nomination Captain Thomas Colbert The nomi-
nation was seconded by Mr.. Holt Before the
vote was cast he turned to Mr. Schurmann and
asked him if he had any nominations to make.
hen MI. Schurmann answered in the negative.
the vote OF the two was cas-. for Mr. Colbert
The promotion Of Mr.. Colbert made it necessary
to select captain to take his place. On motion
of Mr. PendIeton, Sergeant Quigley was pro-
noted to the position Of acting captain. Mr.
Schurmann called attention to the vacancy made
by the dismissal of Patrolman Holt, but the
filling of the vacancy was postponed until the
next meeting. This ended the business of the
board Not word was uttered in regard to the
policy that is to be pursued Before adjourn
ment there was informal talk among the three
IN which all efforts of Mr.. Schurmann to draw
out of the members something of the nature of
their policy were futile.
Fifteen minutes before time for roll-call last
evening the two new commissioners marched
into the station house. They were unknown to
nearly all the men on the force They stood
around eying the men, as if in search Of some
scalp to take. and appeared very much out of
place When roll call vas announced they were
invited to sit near the Superintendent, dipnifed
as a general in command Of an army until the
call was ended. Superintendent Travis then
SAID; AT meeting Of the new Board of Police
Commissioners this afternoon a new superin-
tendent was appointed in the person of Captain
Colbert, and his place was filled by making Ser
geant Quigley acting captain Two members of
the Police Board are here, and they may have
something to say to you"
Mr.. Pendieton needed no further introduction
He arose. buttoned his coat about his neck. and
at once launched out into bombastic speech
that lasted ten minutes. In closing he said:
You fully understand that did not covet this
position, and that it came to me entirely unex-
pected. and l was unexpectedly elected Presi-
cent or the board. [ recognize that the police
force Is an organization so we'll known "a to
need no praise from me. speak for Mr. Holt
when say that we as directors of this force
have but one end in vew-the commercial pros
perity cf the city. the present police force
have already made this the banner city of the
United States. You will find US with you in all
that pertains to the interest Of the city regard
less OF politics and personal feeling The only idea
that shall eManate from this board will be to
keep it up to its past standard. AS long as am |
at the head of this board it will be meritorious
work that will entitle you to further esteem |
from me. All you men will receive orders from |
your superior officers, and all you have to do is
to obey them AS soldier, / understand that |
we superiors must treat our interiors with defer
ence and courtesy" He then asked Captain |
Colbert to rise, and, in theatrical sortof wav
introduced him to the force. Mr. Colbert made
but few remarks. He asked the hearty CO. |
operation OF the force IN carrying out the orders
Of the board. Captain Quigley was also intro
duced, and thanked the board for his promo |
ton.
When these formalities were ended, Mr.. Pen !
dieton having forgotten part of his speech. |
again addressed the force saying: IA great deal |
has been said by the newspapers about the poll |
cy OF the board. What they have said is in keep |
ing with great many other things thew saw |
The policy will come from the board, and not |
from the newspapers, and you will he informed |
OF 1t in due time by your superintendent. I will |
say this much-our policy will not be directed |
oy the churches, the newspapers or the bar |
rooms. Another thing; you men have no right |
to communicate anything to the reporters with |
out the consent of your superiors.'
Commissioner Holt was called on, but he onlv |
said that he couldn't talk, and hoped to mako up |
in actions what ne lacked in words. Ex-Super- |
lntendent Travis, who has made an enviable |
record during the two months he has acted as |
was not asked to say anything, |
and the men were dismissed.
When asked by Journal reporter, after the |
dismissal of the patrolmen, If it was really his |
intention to try to prevent the members of the |
force from furnishing news to tho reporters Mr.
Pendleton said. "Well, guess you misinterpret !,
what sald. L didn't mean it in such broad |
sense as you think" and calling Captain Col |
bert, who was near at hand. said to him. "Su-
perintendent, the reporters are misinterpreting |
what said at the close, and wish you would |
straighten it up little"
1t is evidently the intention of the new COM |
to attempt to intimidate the news
papers. 1t comes from good authority that Mr. |
Pendleton said yesterday. ''If the newspapers |
do not go to critcising they can have privi- |